Bee Facts

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Orchard Mason Bees are described as being 'native' to North America because they originated on this continent, evolving over millions of years along with our native plants.  They are also referred to as 'wild' bees, and their scientific name is Osmia Lignaria, of the Megachilidae family.  They are widely distributed across most of the contiguous U.S. and southern Canada, and live in diverse habitats from sea level to elevations of 7,000 ft, but they are not found in low deserts or sub-tropical areas.  Osmia means 'mason', which describes the way they use mud to construct their nests.  Megachilidae refers to 'long-tongued bees' for collecting nectar from flowers. About 30% of native bees are Mason or Osmia bees, and there are at least 30,000 species of bees in the world - more than all the fish, bird and reptile species combined.

What's so great about Orchard Mason Bees?

Our native Orchard Mason Bees are so fascinating. Did you know that they . . . ?

Native Bees vs. Honey Bees

 

OMB on peach blossomOrchard Mason Bee Most people tend to group all 'bees' intohoney bee Honey Bee one category, usually assuming that they all make honey and they all will sting.  Not true!  There are more than 30,000 species of native bees on our planet, and the majority do not sting or produce honey.  However, as pollinators, native bees (NBs) do have a number of clear advantages over honey bees (HBs):